The Global Aquaculture Alliance’s GOAL (Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership) 2018 Conference will be held at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil from September 25-27, the organization announced in conjunction with Ecuador’s Cámara Nacional de Acuacultura (CNA) on January 8.
The CNA represents the interests of the entire spectrum of operators within Ecuador’s aquaculture sector, including hatcheries, farmers, processors and exporters of shrimp, tilapia and other species, in addition to supporting industries from feed providers to industrial manufacturers.
This is the first time in seven years that the event will be held in Latin America, and marks the first time that it will take place in Ecuador. Guayaquil, the nation’s largest city, is the hub of a prosperous shrimp farming and processing cluster.
“Ecuador, one of the earliest supporters of our organization, has become one of the world’s leading shrimp producers and a hotbed of foreign investment,” said GAA President George Chamberlain. “GOAL 2018 will celebrate Ecuador’s leadership, which has redefined the term ‘sustainability’ with farms that have been in continuous operation for more than three decades. Production efficiency has steadily improved by using a unique combination of breeding, high quality feeds and semi-intensive management without antibiotics. We look forward to bringing many of the world’s aquaculture thought leaders to Guayaquil to advance the responsible aquaculture discussion.”
CNA Executive President José Antonio Camposano commented: “For more than 50 years, Ecuador has proven to be a leader in shrimp aquaculture, complying with the highest environmental and social standards, which has made it a world reference in the industry. For our country and our organization, this is a great opportunity to show other countries and buyers the commitment of this industry on producing a healthy, nutritious and pure premium quality shrimp, farmed in the most sustainable way.”
Held annually since 2001, the three-day GOAL Conference typically features more than speakers who provide insight on trends shaping the future of responsible aquaculture production and sourcing, as well as multiple social and networking opportunities for around 400 seafood professionals from 30-plus countries.
Cámara Nacional de Acuacultura, which is co-hosting GOAL 2018 during the year of its 25th anniversar, is dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of Ecuador’s aquaculture industry and working to maintain a competitive advantage while fully respecting social and environmental standards. Not long after GOAL 2018, it will host the AQUAEXPO 2018 trade show and conference at the convention center in Guayaquil from October 15-18.
